Lifestyle

PEP FORUM: Male celebrities talk about Santa Claus

Pinoy kids are located somewhere near the equator, while the plump and cheery white-bearded man is from the North Pole.

In spite the distance, most of us grew up believing in Santa Claus.Our parents have reminded us to be nice (not naughty), so Santa would not forget to deliver our presents.Before Christmas Eve, children would hang their Christmas stockings (or socks), a Western tradition which dates back to 16th century, with their gift list in it.

But, of course, they would usually fall asleep and just get surprised that their wish list was replaced by goodies the following day.Even male celebrities grew up with Santa. He is a mythical figure, but he’s definitely very much alive in their hearts.

When asked how being a Santa Claus believer affected his life, he said, "Nakakatuwa ’yong thought na may Santa Claus for kids. I mean, it’s something like God, kasi parang someone is out there looking [out] for you. I mean, if you do good, you reap great things. Di ba, sinasabi nila kapag mabait ka, may makukuha kang regalo?

Kapitan Boom star Jon Avila defied the myth that Santa Claus is male—his mom is Santa. He explained, "I believe everyone has a Santa Claus inside of them. ’Tapos feeling ko, when my mom comes to the Philippines, parang siya ’yong Santa Claus sa family namin, e, because she gives a lot to everyone."Unlike the other boys, the former Pinoy Big Brother housemate used to have a simple wish list—just candies. "I stopped when I was ten years old. I just got older. I still believe that Santa Claus is there, but I got older, e."

DJ Rico Robles has a similar view about Santa Claus. "You know, Santa Claus is in our hearts. So, the Christmas Season is the season for giving. But if you could really do it 365 days in a year, it’ll be greater than meeting Santa Claus himself. Deep inside your heart, there’s a Santa Claus there, and all you gotta do is get in touch to that."